Paul Wagner, from Woodstock, Ga., drives off one of the tees at the International Disc Golf Center during the Ice Bowl charity disc golf tournament at Wildwood Park as Noel Bryant, from Franklin, N.C., looks on. Players from as far as Iowa, Tennessee and Florida competed in the event. Photo by Jim Blaylock

Flying discs sliced through the frosty air as the Ice Bowl disc golf tournament kicked off on a frigid Saturday morning.

The annual tournament, which benefits Columbia County Cares and the Golden Harvest Food Bank, lived up to its name as temperatures hovered just above freezing for most of the morning. A brisk wind also complicated matters for players as discs were often blown wide of their target.

Few were complaining about the weather conditions though. Most players were excited to play on the world-class courses at the International Disc Golf Center at Wildwood Park while helping a worthy cause.

“I love it out here” said competitor Paul Wagner, from Woodstock, Ga. “We get to help a charity and play some of the best courses in the country.”

Noel Bryant, from Franklin, N.C. had similar feelings.

“I’ve heard about it for years and thought I might as well try (to make it).”

During the break between the morning and afternoon sessions, players feasted on chili, which competitors provided for a chili cookoff, and hot dogs were provided by the IDGC.

According to Jason Allind, manager of the IDGC, the tournament was jointly sponsored by the Augusta Disc Golf Association and the IDGC, which, until recently, held two separate tournaments.

Allind hopes this year’s tournament will top the $2,000 raised last year. A record 121 players participated and 700 pounds of food was collected as entry fees.

“The food and proceeds will be evenly split between the two food banks” Allind said.